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Lionel Messi scores hat-trick against Algeria in World Cup opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 6:01 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Lionel Messi scores hat-trick against Algeria in World Cup opener

Summary

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's opening match of the 2026 World Cup. This performance brought his total World Cup goals to 16, tying him with Miroslav Klose for the all-time record. Remarkably, 10 of those goals have been scored since Messi turned 35, surpassing legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Maradona, who each scored eight across their careers. Additionally, Messi made his 200th appearance for Argentina, becoming the first player to compete in six World Cups. Argentina's campaign is just beginning, and Messi aims to set a new record in the tournament.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Messi's hat-trick gives him 16 World Cup goals.
•He ties Miroslav Klose for the all-time scoring record.
•Messi's total includes 10 goals since turning 35.
•He made his 200th appearance for Argentina.
•Argentina's World Cup campaign has just started.

Latest Updates

6:01 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi has outscored Cristiano Ronaldo, Maradona, and Neymar in just the last two World Cups

What they're saying

"
At 39 years old, Lionel Messi has now scored more World Cup goals after turning 35 than some of the greatest players in football history managed across their entire careers at the tournament. The Argentina captain’s stunning hat-trick against Algeria moved him onto 16 World Cup goals overall, drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
— Yahoo Sports

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